Collision theory teaching resources

Worksheets and lesson ideas to challenge students aged 11 to 16 to think about collision theory (GCSE and Key Stage 3)

The video below from Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro provides an engaging way to introduce the concepts met when teaching collision theory. Play the song from 1.00 min and ask students what the link is between the lyrics and rates of reaction. You could also play the song at the start of your lesson and ask students to write down what they already know about rates of reaction – it may help trigger some prior knowledge!

When we collide we come togetherIf we don’t we’ll always be apartI’ll take a bruise; I know you’re worth itWhen you hit me hit me hard

Investigating surface area and rates of reaction

GCSE/KS3 worksheet investigating how surface area affects rate of reaction.This great little practical gets students investigating how the surface area of a vitamin C tablet affects the time taken for it to react with water. The simplicity and safeness of the practical means students can be free to investigate. Depending on your group, you may want to get students to calculate the surface area of each tablet. (PDF)